Enrichment
ArtWorks
Third graders ponder an object at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Volunteers introduce third-grade students to architecture, sculpture, painting and the decorative arts. Through a series of class workshops and a guided visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Brooklyn Museum, children learn to interpret, compare and discuss works of art. To join ArtWorks, call 646-519-8369 or email artworks@learningleaders.org. Learn more about ArtWorks!
Authors Read Aloud
photo©JaneHoffer
Students gather around illustrator Melissa Iwai at P.S. 142 on the Lower East Side.
Authors Read Aloud pairs professional children’s book authors and illustrators with K-8 school classes to teach children about the imagination, perseverance and inspiration behind the creation of a book. Volunteers commit to work in two classrooms apiece, making four visits to each of these classrooms over the course of the school year. The authors/illustrators read their own books and provide an overview of the writing and publishing processes — thereby sharing the excitement of inventing stories. For more information contact Claire Campbell at 646-519-8370 or email authorsreadaloud@learningleaders.org. Learn more about Authors Read Aloud!
BookTalk
photo©KenLevinson
BookTalk volunteer Vivian Burrus engages 3rd grade students in discussion at P.S. 178 in Co-Op City.
BookTalk volunteers lead book discussion groups for advanced readers in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade. Participating students read selections from classic children's literature and works of contemporary fiction. Groups of 6-12 students selected by their teacher meet weekly with two volunteers to discuss the assigned reading. The program encourages children to read independently, think critically and express themselves clearly. To learn more about BookTalk, contact Claire Campbell at 646-519-8370 or send an email to booktalk@leamingleaders.org. Learn more about BookTalk!
Room to Write
Room to Write volunteers are passionate about helping students become more confident in their writing skills. Using the unique resources of the publishing community, volunteers inspire students to read and to embrace writing as a creative outlet. Collaborating with Learning leaders, literary agent Elizabeth Evans created the group in May 2009. Fellow agents Caren Estesen, Michelle Brower, and Brandi Bowles came on shortly thereafter to help shape and implement the program.
Today, Room to Write focuses its efforts by working closely with two schools: BECA, the Bronx Early College Academy, and the Secondary School for Journalism in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Through writing workshops and career-building publishing workshops, Room to Write volunteers encourage students to think critically about writing and to form a fun, supportive community that is passionate about books.
For more information, and to find out how to volunteer, visit: http://www.roomtowrite.net/
College Planning
photo©KenLevinson
Volunteer Yoseph Gemta works with a sophomore on math problems at High School of Art & Design.
Volunteers work in high school guidance offices to assist college-bound students with the application process, college essays, decision-making, and the financial aid process. Volunteers give a minimum of 2 hours per week from September through May. Day and very limited evening options are available. Training September through January. For more information about College Planning contact 212-213-3370 or email collegeplanning@learningleaders.org. Learn more about College Planning!